When you adopt a dog, you’re adding another member to your family. As with any family member, you want to spoil and love them as much as you possibly can. One of the best ways to do this is through treats.
There are so many different kinds of dog treats available for your beloved pup. This can make it hard to know which treats are the best for your dog’s needs. Whether they be store-bought or homemade, your furry friend will love any treat you give them.
It’s important to note that not all dog treats are created equally. Just like with human food, it’s crucial to look at ingredients because while most are perfectly healthy and safe for your pet, there are certain ingredients you should try to avoid. A good rule of thumb is to avoid treats that have tons of ingredients. This usually means the treat will contain artificial additives and fillers that may be harmful for our four-legged companions.
In general, treats should take up no more than 10 percent of your puppy’s daily diet. This varies based on your dog’s size and age. Remember this when using treats to train your puppy and try not to give them too many! If you are using treats for training, opt for a low-calorie option.
We understand that all puppy parents care deeply about what they are feeding their pets. Spot Pet Health Insurance is here to help you find the absolute best puppy treats available for your cherished pet.
Best Store-Bought Puppy Treats
Wellness Soft Puppy Bites ($4.99)
These puppy bites are formulated specifically for growing puppies under a year old. They are made from high-quality ingredients (meats, fruits, veggies) and don’t include any bad fillers that could be unhealthy for your dog. The bites are also a natural source of DHA, an Omega-3 fatty acid that holds many benefits for dogs. Lastly, they are low in calories (only six calories each!) and can be torn into smaller bites making them perfect to use for training.
Get Naked Grain – Free Puppy Health Dental Sticks ($7.77)
Dental sticks are a great way to help mitigate the stress that comes with your puppy’s teething phase. These treats are specially formulated for teething puppies, and they help to reduce plaque and tartar in order to keep your pup’s teeth nice and healthy. The DHA Omega 3 fatty acids included in the treats promote cognitive development in your puppy while the chewing process alleviates the pain and soreness that comes with teething. These treats are made from all natural ingredients and have 27 calories each, so they should not be consumed too often. As your puppy enters adulthood, you can switch to their other dental sticks made for adult dogs!
Riley’s Organic Dog Biscuits ($8.99)
We love these dog treats because they are made from 100% organic, plant-based, and human-grade ingredients, all for only 6 calories! They don’t include any fillers or artificial additives and they offer multiple flavors for your furry friend to try. Really, you can’t go wrong with anything from this brand. They stick to their values of providing high-quality, 100% natural ingredients that are Certified Organic, and with every purchase the brand donates 5 meals to shelter dogs.
Best Homemade Dog Treat Recipes
Although we want to spoil our furry family members, caring for them can become expensive. DIY dog treats not only help you save a few dollars, but they can also be much healthier for your pup than options from the store. Saving money is always important, but so is conserving time. To help you save time preparing your dog treats, we have created some recipes that are all-natural, delicious, and easy to make.
3 -Ingredient Peanut Butter Pumpkin Treats
For these simple treats, all you need are three simple ingredients: oats, peanut butter, and pumpkin.
1 cup oats
1/3 cup pumpkin
1/4 cup peanut butter
Mix the ingredients together in a bowl, shape them onto a pan, and bake them at 300 degrees for 25-30 minutes. You can also make these treats with other types of flour!
Weight Loss Dog Biscuits
If your furbaby is looking a little more pudgy than usual, try these low-fat treats! Not only are they delicious, but they are also healthy. What you’ll need are:
1 medium ripe banana
1 cup shredded carrots
¼ cup applesauce, unsweetened
1/8 cup water
1 ½ cups whole wheat flower
1 cup rolled oats
Mix all ingredients together, roll it out onto a pan and shape however you like. Add more water if needed. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.
Frozen Strawberry Banana Smoothie Dog Treats
Frozen treats are a great way to help your pup cool down on a summer day and they don’t require any baking! You can make one smoothie for your yourself and simply freeze the extra for your dog. What you’ll need for this smoothie berries recipe is:
2 cups strawberries
1 ½ cups plain Greek yogurt
1 banana
¼ cup skim milk (can replace with water)
Blend these ingredients together, pour into an ice cube tray and freeze! These treats can be used for up to a few weeks after making.
Ingredients to Avoid
While we know you love your dog and want to spoil him or her with treats every day, not all treats will be good for your pet! Knowing what food to avoid is crucial for taking care of your pets. It can be difficult to navigate what foods your dogs can and cannot have because it can differ significantly from humans. Next time you buy dog treats at the store, be sure to scan the ingredient list before buying. You’ll likely find that many dog treats contain unnecessary filler ingredients and preservatives. Some ingredients you want to be absolutely sure to avoid are:
Corn syrup
Artificial colors
Xylitol or any other sugar alcohols
Propylene glycol
Brewer’s rice
Nitrates or nitrites
Vegetable oil
If you’re nervous about what you’re giving your dog even after scanning the ingredient list, homemade treats can be a safer bet because you know exactly what you are putting in them!
Keep your dog happy and healthy
Here at Spot Pet Insurance, we care deeply about your dog’s health. We know how much you cherish them and we want to help you give them the best life possible.
For advice on other foods your dog can enjoy, check our Spot Pet Insurance’s webpage. We provide you with plenty of informative materials that help you provide your pet with the best care that they deserve! We also offer personalized pet insurance plans to help keep your dog protected, healthy, and happy.
There is nothing that can come between the bond of you and your beloved pet. We want to make sure that this bond can last for a long, long time.
Mostly a tech person, always a pet person. I am dedicated to improving the lives of pets and their humans with technology. Off-duty, I enjoy writing about the misbehaving of computer programs and my two Aussiedoodles, Calvin and Hobbes.